Koroit Irish Festival the perfect fit for Imogen Brough

THE Koroit Irish Festival may as well be a tailor-made event for Geelong singer-songwriter Imogen Brough.

The 22-year-old has been a long-time performer of Celtic music but shot to stardom after her appearance on Channel Nine’s The Voice.

Brough performed at the Port Fairy Folk Festival in March sharing her sound that is similar to the likes of Enya.

Koroit will provide a familiar crowd for Brough who supported Irish singer Brian Kennedy on his Australian tour last year.

“It’s lovely, it’s got that Irish feel,” Brough said of Koroit.

“It will be beautiful to get away and be involved in the festival where it’s all about the music and the people. It’s exciting for someone like me — going to people that love it (Celtic music).” Brough, who has a Celtic heritage, said she grew up listening to powerful Celtic voices such as Enya and Loreena McKennitt.

“I have all these different Celtic provinces in my blood. My pa is Irish, my grandma is French and my dad is English,” she said. “The music my parents played like Enya must have sparked something in me because it’s the music I connect most to and how I sing naturally.”

The artist said she was proud to have got her major career-boost from The Voice on which she worked with Ricky Martin.

“I’m very proud of it — I went on with absolutely nothing to lose.

“The Voice came at a perfect time to branch out and come out as an original artist. I was liked on the show and that really benefited my exposure and my fan base.”

She said Martin was an inspiring mentor.

“He was absolutely lovely, really passionate and emotional — that’s something I’m really interested in with how you sing and perform,” she said.

Brough will perform on Saturday at 4pm in the Koroit Theatre. She will also take part in the The Great Irish-Australian quiz show on Friday night.